Brando vs. Crowe as Superman Franchise’s Jor-El

Brando vs. Crowe as Superman Franchise's Jor-El

I find disturbing the idea of Russell Croweplaying the role originated by Marlon Brando at age 54 in 1978’s Superman. Crowe, 47, is in talks to play opposite Superman Henry Cavill as his beloved father Jor-El in Man of Steel, reports Variety. Of course this will give Crowe a handsome payday. Maybe it’s the similarities between the troubled Brando and Crowe that worry me. Both are fine actors with inflated egos and a weight problem who have walked dangerously close to identifying with their leading roles. Keeping track of who you are as a human being and who you are as a movie star is half the battle in maintaining career longevity.

I’m sure Crowe will do fine in a role, written by David Goyer, that will barely tax his skills. That’s what worries me. Coming up is another studio project shot in China, Universal actioner The Man With the Iron Fists. I’d rather see him dig into playing Richard Burton or some deeper psychological story on a smaller scale, with a David Cronenberg or Paul Thomas Anderson, assuming he was willing to defer to them. Producer Chris Nolan and director Zack Snyder will only have to manage the demanding Aussie thespian for a short time.